'Ray Charles Live'

Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Brandon Victor Dixon channels the spirit of a musical icon in "Ray Charles Live! A New Musical" at the Pasadena Playhouse. But not everyone was swaying to the beat. Our critic, Charles McNulty, said the show made Charles' music seem "square, dull and suburban." Several of Charles' children complained about the production, which they said cast a negative light on his life.

Brandon Victor Dixon channels the spirit of a musical icon in "Ray Charles Live! A New Musical" at the Pasadena Playhouse. But not everyone was swaying to the beat. Our critic, Charles McNulty, said the show made Charles' music seem "square, dull and suburban." Several of Charles' children complained about the production, which they said cast a negative light on his life. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Brandon Victor Dixon channels the spirit of a musical icon in "Ray Charles Live! A New Musical" at the Pasadena Playhouse. But not everyone was swaying to the beat. Our critic, Charles McNulty, said the show made Charles' music seem "square, dull and suburban." Several of Charles' children complained about the production, which they said cast a negative light on his life.